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Phoebe and Her Unicorn #19
Unicorn Crush
An enchanting collection of Phoebe and Her Unicorn comics from New York Times bestselling author Dana Simpson.
In this collection of Phoebe and her Unicorn comic strips, nine-year-old girl Phoebe Howell and her magical unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, explore the complexities of popularity, friendship, and crushes. Phoebe finds herself in the awkward position of taking on her friend Max in a debate contest and also helping her best frenemy, Dakota, regain her confidence. Marigold undergoes therapy and reconnects with a friend named Sparkleface McGee who she hasn't seen in 700 years. And both Phoebe and Marigold draw a fun series of comics about their lives. As it turns out, the social lives of a nine-year-old human and a centuries-old unicorn have a lot in common! Young readers will enjoy the caring and comedic adventures of this colorful duo as they rediscover the magic in themselves and in each other.
In this collection of Phoebe and her Unicorn comic strips, nine-year-old girl Phoebe Howell and her magical unicorn friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, explore the complexities of popularity, friendship, and crushes. Phoebe finds herself in the awkward position of taking on her friend Max in a debate contest and also helping her best frenemy, Dakota, regain her confidence. Marigold undergoes therapy and reconnects with a friend named Sparkleface McGee who she hasn't seen in 700 years. And both Phoebe and Marigold draw a fun series of comics about their lives. As it turns out, the social lives of a nine-year-old human and a centuries-old unicorn have a lot in common! Young readers will enjoy the caring and comedic adventures of this colorful duo as they rediscover the magic in themselves and in each other.
176 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
About the author
Dana Simpson
60 books339 followersDana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from The Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit.
Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.
She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.
Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar Contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.
She currently lives in the Seattle area with her tech genius husband and her fairly stupid cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 20, 2024
I just love these books!
August 14, 2024
I enjoyed this one, as I have all 18 prior volumes in the collection, but as I often write in these reviews, I find that the collections that pull together a bunch of storylines tend to just not capture my interest quite as much. They just lack something, and this book definitely suffered from that. I found that the crush part was so minimal that it was not even worth having this a the title of the book. And the rest of the comics were all over the place with a few interconnecting plots here and there.
Now, is this a bad thing? For me, it's not my favourite way to tackle these stories. But it doesn't mean that it wasn't a fun read. Not as many chuckles as previous books. Felt a little like Simpson was having a bad run a few times, especially with the comic within a comic parts.
Now, is this a bad thing? For me, it's not my favourite way to tackle these stories. But it doesn't mean that it wasn't a fun read. Not as many chuckles as previous books. Felt a little like Simpson was having a bad run a few times, especially with the comic within a comic parts.
March 25, 2024
As usual, just a wonderful, funny, and sweet collections of 4-panel webcomics detailing the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Cute plot arc involving Phoebe worrying about debating her friend Max in school (and her surprise that Max has interpreted the "anti" stance very differently LOL) and also a little meta as Phoebe writes and draws (or tries to) her own comic book.
Book 1 for the #TransRightsReadathon 2024
Book 1 for the #TransRightsReadathon 2024
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May 18, 2024"There is no perfect time"
February 15, 2025
I actually enjoyed this thoroughly. Maybe I am underestimating elementary school kids, or maybe I am not as evolved as I think I am but Phoebe and her unicorn tackled relationships,jealousy, popularity, ethics and the meaning of life, and I laughed the whole time.
#relatable
#relatable
May 28, 2024
As always, amazing. I love this series. But I am disappointed about all of the repeats :-/ of the short stories
March 21, 2024
More fun with Phoebe and her Unicorn! The humor, off-beatness and good times are all there. Some new and old friends play a role as well. Read via online reader copy
June 12, 2024
I can never find anything negative to say about these books. Dana Simpson kills it with each and every one.
I think this is our first meta joke. And it comes in a book where Phoebe and Marigold are writing their own comic, about a girl and her unicorn best friend. Amazing.
Also, this could be about SO many different things, but I choose to take this as a shout out to me and my friend Ellie, who are both huge Buffy fans and Ellie is the one who introduced me to Simpson via Ozy and Millie.
<3
I think this is our first meta joke. And it comes in a book where Phoebe and Marigold are writing their own comic, about a girl and her unicorn best friend. Amazing.
Also, this could be about SO many different things, but I choose to take this as a shout out to me and my friend Ellie, who are both huge Buffy fans and Ellie is the one who introduced me to Simpson via Ozy and Millie.
<3
May 21, 2024
I consider Phoebe and Her Unicorn to be one of the best newspaper comics today, and ranking alongside classics such as Calvin and Hobbes and The Far Side. I've been eagerly devouring these comic collections as they've come out, and Unicorn Crush has proven to be just as good as the others, introducing new characters while still taking time to flesh out returning faces.
Phoebe is a quirky nine-year-old whose best friend happens to be the unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils... and her life has been just a little stranger ever since. With Marigold at her side, Phoebe navigates the perils of fourth grade, from figuring out just where she stands with her "frenemy" Dakota to going against her best friend Max in a school debate. Marigold, meanwhile, goes to therapy and reunites with her friend Sparkleface, and both she and Phoebe begin drawing comic memoirs of their lives. And just as the title says, Phoebe finds herself developing a crush on a unicorn... and none other than Infernus, the Unicorn of Death!
As always, I love Dana's art -- simple, yet with enough fun detail to make it catch the eye. Her designs for the mythical creatures are unique, and I appreciate the variety she puts into the designs of her unicorns. I also appreciate seeing characters occasionally change outfits, something you don't often see in newspaper strips. (Max is always seen wearing the same shirt, but he's also highly implied to be on the autism spectrum, so having multiples of the exact same outfit wouldn't be out of character for him.)
The comics alternate between silly gags and short story arcs, and maintains a lighthearted tone even as it occasionally gets philosophical (though never as deep as Calvin and Hobbes could get on occasion). And while there's no real overarching story arc, it's nice to see that changes in the comic stay -- new characters don't disappear as soon as their story arcs end, and events from previous arcs continue to get callbacks. This doesn't happen often in newspaper comics.
Unicorn Crush is a great continuation of a great comic series. And I hope it continues for a good while to come.
Phoebe is a quirky nine-year-old whose best friend happens to be the unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils... and her life has been just a little stranger ever since. With Marigold at her side, Phoebe navigates the perils of fourth grade, from figuring out just where she stands with her "frenemy" Dakota to going against her best friend Max in a school debate. Marigold, meanwhile, goes to therapy and reunites with her friend Sparkleface, and both she and Phoebe begin drawing comic memoirs of their lives. And just as the title says, Phoebe finds herself developing a crush on a unicorn... and none other than Infernus, the Unicorn of Death!
As always, I love Dana's art -- simple, yet with enough fun detail to make it catch the eye. Her designs for the mythical creatures are unique, and I appreciate the variety she puts into the designs of her unicorns. I also appreciate seeing characters occasionally change outfits, something you don't often see in newspaper strips. (Max is always seen wearing the same shirt, but he's also highly implied to be on the autism spectrum, so having multiples of the exact same outfit wouldn't be out of character for him.)
The comics alternate between silly gags and short story arcs, and maintains a lighthearted tone even as it occasionally gets philosophical (though never as deep as Calvin and Hobbes could get on occasion). And while there's no real overarching story arc, it's nice to see that changes in the comic stay -- new characters don't disappear as soon as their story arcs end, and events from previous arcs continue to get callbacks. This doesn't happen often in newspaper comics.
Unicorn Crush is a great continuation of a great comic series. And I hope it continues for a good while to come.
May 8, 2024
Phoebe is nine, and her best friend is a unicorn. She has other friends, at school. But when she’s not in school, she spends time with Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. Marigold and Phoebe talk about everything, from how Marigold is in therapy to how Phoebe is struggling with the popular girls at school.
These gentle comics includes stories about how a unicorn invented Swiss cheese, dweebness appreciation lessons, and the curse of the earworm. And Phoebe decides to write a comic of her own, so she has to figure out how to come up with ideas and and make them work with the illustrations.
But as Phoebe is working on her comic, she realizes that she has a secret from her BFF Marigold. Phoebe has a crush on another unicorn. So then she has to figure out how to tell Marigold and what to do about her feelings. But no matter what happens, Phoebe and Marigold will still be friends, because if there were ever sparkle soulmates, it’s Phoebe and her unicorn.
Author/illustrator Dana Simpson is back with a new addition to her popular Phoebe and Her Unicorn series. Unicorn Crush is the 19th book in the series, and it’s filled with the same bright, colorful, whimsical illustrations that bring Phoebe’s and Marigold’s separate worlds together. Their friendship is sweet and honest, but with the snark and imagination of a nine-year-old girl who is known for being a little weird.
I am a big fan of the Phoebe and the Unicorn series. Even though it’s been more than a few years since I was nine myself, these books remind me of being a kid, of trying to make friends at school, of having that one friend who will accept you no matter how weird you get. I can see how kids would love this series, but I also love to open one and visit with Marigold and Phoebe during a stressful week, so I think these are great books for anyone. And I love how this friendship just keeps growing. I am in for as long as Phoebe and Her Unicorn are.
Egalleys for Unicorn Crush were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
These gentle comics includes stories about how a unicorn invented Swiss cheese, dweebness appreciation lessons, and the curse of the earworm. And Phoebe decides to write a comic of her own, so she has to figure out how to come up with ideas and and make them work with the illustrations.
But as Phoebe is working on her comic, she realizes that she has a secret from her BFF Marigold. Phoebe has a crush on another unicorn. So then she has to figure out how to tell Marigold and what to do about her feelings. But no matter what happens, Phoebe and Marigold will still be friends, because if there were ever sparkle soulmates, it’s Phoebe and her unicorn.
Author/illustrator Dana Simpson is back with a new addition to her popular Phoebe and Her Unicorn series. Unicorn Crush is the 19th book in the series, and it’s filled with the same bright, colorful, whimsical illustrations that bring Phoebe’s and Marigold’s separate worlds together. Their friendship is sweet and honest, but with the snark and imagination of a nine-year-old girl who is known for being a little weird.
I am a big fan of the Phoebe and the Unicorn series. Even though it’s been more than a few years since I was nine myself, these books remind me of being a kid, of trying to make friends at school, of having that one friend who will accept you no matter how weird you get. I can see how kids would love this series, but I also love to open one and visit with Marigold and Phoebe during a stressful week, so I think these are great books for anyone. And I love how this friendship just keeps growing. I am in for as long as Phoebe and Her Unicorn are.
Egalleys for Unicorn Crush were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss, with many thanks.
December 17, 2024
A collection of adventures with Phoebe and her unicorn bestie Marigold. In this collection Dakota blames Phoebe for her drop in coolness status, Phoebe has a fangirl crush on one of Marigold's unicorn friends, Marigold shares about going to therapy, they take a different route to school, Phoebe has to debate against Max, and Phoebe meets Marigold's friend made entirely out of sparkles. And of course, many other things happen too.
A delightful collection of Phoebe and Marigold's adventures. It was a delightful way to while away a few minutes this weekend.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None. The crushes are more being a fan of a person/unicorn.
Ethnic diversity: Most of the humans are white, though some of Phoebe's classmates and her teacher are people of color.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified in this volume.
Other: Phoebe and Dakota worried about being friends or not with cool kids at some points.
A delightful collection of Phoebe and Marigold's adventures. It was a delightful way to while away a few minutes this weekend.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None. The crushes are more being a fan of a person/unicorn.
Ethnic diversity: Most of the humans are white, though some of Phoebe's classmates and her teacher are people of color.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified in this volume.
Other: Phoebe and Dakota worried about being friends or not with cool kids at some points.
April 9, 2024
As usual Phoebe and Marigold Heavenly Nostrils take on a delightfully unhinged adventure and I couldn't help but smile as I read this one. One of my favorite things about these books is that sometimes they seem a little disjointed, with different plot lines and characters popping up, but as you read they really do all weave together and give some great messages to kids. In this one I also really appreciate the short aside about Marigold going to therapy and needing her privacy while still hammering home the importance of therapy. It was just a short section, but I personally always love when therapy is normalized for kids.
This is another great addition and I can't wait to add it to the library!
This is another great addition and I can't wait to add it to the library!
April 29, 2024
Phoebe and Marigold go 'meta' in this latest installment of their graphic novel series. When Phoebe decides to write "The Story of Phoebe," she discovers the fun of drawing her life in comics. Wouldn't it be fun to illustrate their conversations? We all think so and even her parents agree. Some of my favorite panels in this one were Phoebe's own illustrations. And there are plenty of other fun topics covered as well from Swiss cheese to class debates with Max about recess and Ground Unicorn Day. The unicorn on the cover is Infernus, the Unicorn of Death. Don't worry. It is just a family name. Until next time. Stay sparkly! ✨
Thank you to Andrew McMeel Publishing and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Andrew McMeel Publishing and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
Dakota is feeling the brunt of not being popular so she turns to Phoebe for help. Of course, it doesn't last long. Though they are moving ever closer to being... friends. And we also see her with Sam, the older girl she wants to be friends with.
It turns out Marigold is in therapy, with Tod of all people. We get a lot of discussion in "Rar" (which is nice that Marigold gets her privacy. Then, when Marigold is ready to spend more time with Phoebe, we get to read about Phoebe's comic strip.
New character Sparkleface McGee makes an appearance. It is a being of pure energy. And we see Marigold talking in another new language.
Infernus the Unicorn of Death also stops in.
It turns out Marigold is in therapy, with Tod of all people. We get a lot of discussion in "Rar" (which is nice that Marigold gets her privacy. Then, when Marigold is ready to spend more time with Phoebe, we get to read about Phoebe's comic strip.
New character Sparkleface McGee makes an appearance. It is a being of pure energy. And we see Marigold talking in another new language.
Infernus the Unicorn of Death also stops in.
April 30, 2026
Despite it being the first book I’ve read in the series, it was really enjoyable and cute and didn’t need other context for me to understand it. More of a compilation of comics than a full story, though a lot of it is cohesive and related. I like the slew of illustrations, simple yet darling to look at. This would be a great book for young readers who are into the Dork Diaries series, I would say preteens. Some of the jokes are pretty sophisticated, though the author does provide a short glossary for unknown terms. Even I as an adult did get to expand my vocabulary by searching up some of the words!
April 3, 2024
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Phoebe and Marigold are back for another round of humor and friendship. I appreciate how Simpson ages Phoebe as the books progress. The underlying messages of being true to yourself and supporting others to do the same comes through clearly for readers of all ages. The artwork is fun and cleverly drawn. Hard to believe this is the nineteenth book. My students are already looking forward to checking it out.
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Phoebe and Marigold are back for another round of humor and friendship. I appreciate how Simpson ages Phoebe as the books progress. The underlying messages of being true to yourself and supporting others to do the same comes through clearly for readers of all ages. The artwork is fun and cleverly drawn. Hard to believe this is the nineteenth book. My students are already looking forward to checking it out.
May 28, 2025
It was like my last review of how there was only 2 sections talking about her unicorn crush, the unicorn known as the monster of a part of the woods or the unicorn of death? I think that was it's creepy name. Anyway, in one of the sections, the 9-year-year-old girl meets the unicorn in the part of the woods they never went through before and the other one was when she wrote a comic of this unicorn and her crush on him. I'm pretty sure she was exaggerating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
Book #19 in the Phoebe and her Unicorn series comes out May 7, 2024. I read an advance digital review copy from Edelweiss. This was very similar to the previous 18 books in the series, with the same smart and slightly subversive edge to it. My elementary school students in 2nd grade and up love this series. There is a glossary included for the occasional high vocabulary.
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June 5, 2024I loved this one. The meta humor felt very similar to earlier volumes in the series. I adore Phoebe's relationship with Dakota and I really enjoyed the use of comics within the story. This is such a fun series.
May 4, 2024
Really sweet gentle books. You can tell the author really gets kids. I always enjoy paging through each new volume as an adult because they’re such sweet books.
May 12, 2024
I love that Todd is Marigold’s therapist, and that Dana refuses to reveal Marigold’s secrets! These books always bring some smiles and grins into my day.
June 24, 2024
“A solid 8 out of 5” - my 9yo
August 29, 2024
I always enjoy Phoebe and her Unicorn.
September 3, 2024
Every single one of these books makes me smile. I love this series so much!
October 30, 2024
Pretty pictures
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
Phoebe #19! Cute collection mostly revolving around friendship and the perplexities of being 9 years old, and being best friends with a very sparkly mythical creature.
April 26, 2025
great!
March 12, 2025
More Phoebe! No major arcs in this one, and I really like the arcs, but it was an enjoyable read.
November 13, 2025
Hi fellow bookwormssss, I'm going to be reviewing this book from the Phoebe and her Unicorn collection. In case you didn't know, I used to be HUGE fan of these types of graphic novels and comics. Kids will really relate to the part when Marigold hangs out with an old friend, Sparkleface McGee, and Phoebe feels upset and left out. And my personal favorite part of the story was when Phoebe decided to create an autobiographical comic about her crazy life. Phoebe also confesses her secret, but I'm not gonna spoil what it is. : )
Anyway I really hope you all enjoyed my review!! ☺️
Anyway I really hope you all enjoyed my review!! ☺️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews